Sooner Catholic soonercatholic.org December 24, 2017 archokc.org Go Make Disciples Oklahoma priest installed as Bishop of Tucson “Let the friendship begin” By Michael Brown Catholic News Service TUCSON – Using his installa- tion Mass homily to launch his episcopacy as the seventh Bish- op of Tucson, Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger laid out as a blue- print for ministry the day’s Gospel reading about Jesus’ call to the disciples as friends, not slaves. “Let us be in friendship with all, for surely that is the way love grows, the kingdom is Archbishop Coakley built and the and Bishop great Diocese Weisenburger of Tucson will step into its next age. Brothers and sisters, let Nativity scene, Christmas tree are the friendship begin,” the bishop said. The Nov. 29 installation was the signs of God’s compassion last step in the transfer of lead- ership that began Oct. 3 with the By Junno Arocho Esteves “motivates us to reach out ‘toward the highest announcement by Pope Francis Catholic News Service gifts’” and to rise above the clouds to experience that he had accepted the resig- nation of Bishop Gerald Kicanas, “how beautiful and joyful it is to be immersed in VATICAN CITY – A Nativity scene and Christ- who served the diocese for 16 the light of Christ.” years, first as coadjutor bishop mas tree, like those displayed in Saint Peter’s “The tree, which comes from Poland this year, under Bishop Manuel Moreno and Square, are visible reminders of God’s benevo- is a sign of the faith of that people who, also then as sixth Bishop of Tucson. lence and closeness to all men and women, Pope with this gesture, wanted to express their fideli- Francis said. ty to the see of Peter,” the pope said. continued on page 4 The traditional Christmas displays are “the The Nativity scene was donated by the Bene- signs of the heavenly Father’s compassion, of dictine Abbey of Montevergine, located in south- his participation and closeness to humanity who ern Italy. Created in a traditional 18th-century experience not being abandoned in dark times, Neapolitan style, it covers a surface of over 860 but instead visited and accompanied in their square feet and features 20 terracotta figures, difficulties,” the pope said. some as tall as 6 feet. “Every year, the Christmas Nativity scene and The representation of the night of Jesus’ birth, tree speak to us through their symbolic lan- the pope said, is “inspired by the works of mer- guage. They make more visible what is captured cy” and is a reminder “that Jesus told us: ‘Do to in the experience of the birth of the Son of God,” others what you would have them do to you.’” Pope Francis said Dec. 7 in a meeting with “The crib is the evocative place where we con- delegations from Poland and Italy, responsible template Jesus who, taking upon himself hu- respectively for the 2017 Vatican Christmas tree man misery, invites us to do the same through and Nativity scene. act of mercy,” Pope Francis said. The centerpiece of the Vatican’s Christmas As it was last year, the Christmas tree was holiday decorations is the towering 92-foot adorned with ornaments made by children re- spruce tree. ceiving treatment at several Italian hospitals. Measuring nearly 33 feet in diameter, the tree “These children, with their parents, participat- was donated by the Archdiocese of Elk, Poland, ed in a ceramics recreational therapy program” and transported to the Vatican on a flatbed organized by the Countess Lene Thune Foun- truck traveling over 1,240 miles across central dation for young boys and girls suffering from Europe. oncological and hematological disorders, the Thanking the members of the Polish dele- gation, the pope said the tree’s soaring height continued on page 3 2 December 24, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic December 24, 2017 3 Put Out Into the Deep Luke 5:4 Find more Homeless women’s ministry in Norman changing lives news on the By Sally Linhart The Sooner Catholic website Christmas is more ne of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy found in Jesus’ teachings By Sooner Catholic Staff than a day Oincludes taking care of the homeless. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Okla- Additional coverage of homa City heeded the call and discovered a Church and archdiocesan need for social services in the Norman area. As I write, we are drawing near to the the mystery of God’s news and events, only on beautiful feast of Christ’s birth and the end mercy-made-flesh They began outreach in low-income neigh- www.soonercatholic.org. borhoods and discovered that many women of the calendar year, 2017. Many of you will so that we might who were homeless, or at risk of becoming not read this until after Christmas Day. But, savor more deeply Archbishop Paul S. Coakley a Sacred Music in Season homeless, were not going to shelters because Christmas is more than a day, so I want to its meaning for our Christmas Carols presented the shelters were co-ed. take this opportunity to wish each of you a lives and our world. by St. Ann, Elgin. Rest in the Chelsea Rose, director of community engage- peace and tranquility of the very blessed Christmas Season. The saints whose memorials and feasts we ment for Catholic Charities, said by avoiding season as voices join in song the shelters many women were not getting As the year draws to a close, I am remem- observe during the Christmas season offer to celebrate the birth of Lord services they needed. So, in 2014, Sanctuary bering with gratitude the countless ordinary a vision of the splendor of holiness to which and Savior, Jesus Christ. Women’s Development Center opened and and extraordinary ways that the Lord has we all are called: Saint Stephen, the First Program is 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 began offering services to women in a safe blessed our archdiocese this year. Martyr (Dec. 26); Saint John the Evangelist p.m. Dec. 28. Followed by environment. This year, the program moved fellowship in the parish hall. For example, I had the privilege of ordain- (Dec. 27); and The Holy Innocents (Dec. 28) to a new and larger location on the campus of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Norman. ing 22 new deacons for ministry throughout are just a few of the wonderful saints whose a Rother Heritage Gallery Sanctuary is a day center for women that our archdiocese! After much careful plan- feasts form a beautiful constellation of heav- The Heritage Gallery at the serves about 15-20 women (and their children) Catholic Charities case manager Sheila McPherson works with a client at the Sanctuary Women’s Develop- ning, we have had a successful launch of enly glory surrounding the radiant Star of Catholic Pastoral Center, on any given day and offers assistance with ment Center in Norman. Photo Theresa Bragg/Sooner Catholic. One Church, Many Disciples, the first ever Bethlehem! 7501 Northwest Expressway, immediate daily needs. Women come to show- continues to present “The er, do laundry, have a snack or just to receive and to provide the tools needed to help women loved and cared for and begin healing. It really archdiocesan campaign that will help secure Our secular culture will already have Shepherd Cannot Run: A encouragement. move forward. is a sanctuary.” a promising future grown weary of Retrospective on the Life of Sanctuary provides women with essentials “In the past year, 55 women have found per- Sally Linhart is a freelance writer for the for the Church in the “holiday sea- Father Stanley Rother.” The such as shampoo, sunscreen and other toilet- manent housing solutions with the assistance Sooner Catholic. free exhibit is open 9 a.m. - 4 ries as well as the use of computers. They can central and west- son” by the time of Sanctuary in Nor- p.m. Monday-Friday. CPC take a nap or just relax and watch TV in a safe ern Oklahoma. the presents are man,” Rose said. closed through Jan. 2. Spe- environment. But, the most unwrapped and Sanctuary also hosts cial tours arranged by calling The new location operates on weekdays be- events for their clients memorable bless- the after-Christ- (405) 721-5651, Ext. 141. tween 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with the support of ing, of course, was mas sales have Sanctuary employs three staff members – volunteers from the the glorious beati- run their cours- an office manager, community and local fication of Blessed es. For those who Sanctuary Women’s parishes, Saint Jo- Stanley Rother, recognize the true a case Development Center manager seph, Saint Mark and priest and martyr. meaning of Christ- and an Saint Thomas More. In Blessed Stanley, mas, however, the assistant 425 E. Tonhawa St. The most import- the Lord has given Christmas Season director. Norman, OK 73071 ant message from the us a very special is just beginning! “The case (405) 701-8293 ministry is that women @archokc who feel lost and help- intercessor to ac- It unwraps and manager is here to less have a place to go. company us as we reveals its gifts help women who are making steps forward – “There are options live out our call to holiness and missionary throughout the sequence of beautiful feasts Archdiocese of like looking for a job and working toward other for women and their discipleship. Remembering God’s abundant still to come! Oklahoma City long-term goals,” Rose said. children outside of a The Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is launch- Sanctuary also offers life skills classes such massive co-ed shelter,” ing a new website dedicated to promoting vocations to the priest- blessings of the past strengthens hope for On Christmas Day, as on every Sunday of Arquidiócesis de Rose said.